Posts tagged ‘find your awesome’

This was the last week following my friend j’s Find Your Awesome Self-Love Challenge. I talked about it before, so I won’t repeat myself.
Every evening I sat down and wrote a short summary of my day, which sums up to a short recap post at the end of each week. You can read them all in one place, here.

Day 26 – Take a break
Consciously, deliciously, (as j suggested), I took a break and filled it with coloring a page from my “Inkspirations for Women” adult coloring book.

Day 27 – Be surprising!
Ever since I got a bike for my birthday, I’ve been wanting to go groceries shopping on it. I finally surprised myself and just did it. All alone. I cycled on the road, not the sidewalk and was good at it, too. On my way back, I took a detour cycling on a road I’ve never even walked down on before. It was so much fun!

Day 28 – Draw a self-portrait
My drawing skills really haven’t improved since the last time I drew a self-portrait, so I’ll post a picture the BF took of me on one of our bike rides.

Day 29 – Write yourself a love letter
I know I’m bailing on this one mostly, but I did write myself a love letter before. At the moment, I don’t think I’d write another one. However, I wrote myself a short love note, to post here. I also folded it in half, and keep it in my wallet.
er.

Day 30 – Design a book cover
First off, I didn’t design a book cover. I meant to, but then wasn’t motivated enough to try.
Instead, second, I’ll share what j wrote in the newsletter for the day. I wrote this down and put it on fridge – and maybe I’ll design that book cover, too, one of these days.

“Everyday, we’re writing our stories – OUR stories – which means they are ours to embrace, to tout, to celebrate… or to change. You don’t have to accept a narrative in which you are anything other than who and what you want to be.Your life story is the one you’re writing every single day, from scratch, armed with nothing but your wits, your fortitude, and your big curious heart. Make no mistake about it, it is YOUR story. Believe in it. Own it. Love it fiercely. And don’t let anyone else try to write it for you.”

How was your week? Did you sign up for the challenge? Even if you haven’t joined the self-love challenge, what did you do this week to love yourself?

During the fifth week following my friend j’s Find Your Awesome Self-Love Challenge, I was in Kingston, London, for a couple of days for handover of the project I was working on. As is my new habit since starting this, I sat down nearly every evening and wrote a short summary of my day/days, which adds up to this short recap post.

Day 21 – Leave “it” here
In the e-mail j sent out, she said “Regrets (which are all about the past) and worries (which are all about possible futures) change nothing in the present moment.” I loved that reminder!
So although I got up at 4am and went to bed at 12am, although I traveled by car and plane for several hours, although it was mostly a hectic day and I held presentations, finished documents on a tight deadline and was all on my own – I chose to be present. I did all that was needed at work, and then after work, I went shopping in a store I really wanted sports clothes and a Harry Potter t-shirt from, got some delicious food, then got equipped and went for a walk and 5K run in Richmond Park which I wanted to see since I first visited Kingston in 2015!

Day 22 – Leave love laying around
There was a little premeditation to this day, as I took a few handwritten love notes with me to leave behind. It coincided with the self-love challenge’s suggestion, so it was perfect. I left love notes behind in the office cafeteria, on the fence of a school near the office, in a supermarket, and on a bench while taking a looong walk along the Thames toward Hampton Court Palace.

Day 23 – Practice pleasure
I had a meeting at 10am. So, because it was also my last day in Kingston and I was leaving straight from the office to the airport, I had a delicious breakfast, then before checking out from the hotel, I went shopping for a few things for myself and some presents to bring home. I had a lot of fun during that short walk, and delighted in the small town. On the cab drive to the airport, I talked to the driver the whole way, learning a lot of interesting things about the UK, about India, about people and how alike we all truly are when it comes down to what matters most to everyone.

Day 24 – My NOT-To-Do list

I won’t get lost in editing pictures instead of writing my travel articles

I won’t put off running until the end of the day unless it’s literally too hot to do so in the morning

I won’t give myself a hard time for not finishing all the errands, all the house chores or all of what ever else seems like a big deal, but in actuality can wait until the next day

I won’t find excuses for not doing what I don’t want to

I won’t expect others to have the same exact values and thought-process as I

I won’t wait to do the things I really want to do just because someone else won’t join in also

Day 25 – What matters?
j wrote this suggestion inspired by an article she read, about a woman who had to gather her most important things because of a fire in her flat years ago. All too real a situation to think of right now after the fire in London, unfortunately. I’ve never been through having all my stuff stolen, or house/flat burn down, so I’m not positive that this ideal list from below would be what I’d truly grab, but it’s what I can think of right now, spur of the moment (which is how many seconds I’d probably have to decide anyways):
Pixel kitty, my phone/laptop bag (since it equals to laptop+charger)/tablet/camera, some clothes and footwear (depending on the current dressing situation), my jewelry case (cause I have quite a few gift earrings and bracelets from friends in there) and some books, and my handbag with ID, bank cards, money and such in it. (And hope the BF would remember the rest!)

How was your week? Did you sign up for the challenge? Do you like it so far? Even if you haven’t joined the self-love challenge, what did you do this week to love yourself?

It is already the fourth week following my friend j’s Find Your Awesome Self-Love Challenge. Where does the time fly? Well, anyway, every evening I sat down and wrote a short summary of my day, which adds up to the below short recap post.

Day 16 – Life unplugged
Although I like having a cartoon or some kind of series playing in the background while I color, or doodle, or even do some light cleaning, I really enjoy life unplugged for the most part. It gives me the chance to relax and lets my mind wander where ever it pleases. There is something so soothing in listening to the noises around you as you cook, the cat purrs, and notice-but-try-to-drown-out the noise of children yelling outside while crickets try their best to chirp over them.

Day 17 – Make a songs-to-belt playlist
I wrote one a few years back, but am adding a couple of more songs to the list:

Uptown girl; Bop bop baby; Us against the world; The reason, by Westlife

All out of love, cover by Delta Goodrem and Westlife

Just Give Me A Reason, cover by Luke Conard and Helena&Maria

Back to December, cover by Luke Conard and Ingrid Nilsen

Spirit in the sky, by Norman Greenbaum

Anyone of us, by Gareth Gates

Right here; Goodnight Moon; Louder than words, by HeyHiHello

B-e-a-utiful, by Megan Nicole

Love me like you do, by Ellie Goulding

Friend of mine, by Treble Charger

What makes you beautiful, One Direction

Never let it end, by Dancs Annamari

Woke up this way; Break free from silence, by Antal Timi

On Road 67, by Republic

It’s gonna be OKAY, ThePianoGuys

Only you, Yazoo

Day 18 – Be UNapologetic
I am SO bad at this. It unfortunately doesn’t help that in Hungarian the same word is used for “sorry” as is for “excuse me”. In Romanian also, the two terms are used interchangeably for some reason.

Day 19 – Write a self-love mantra
“You always do what is asked of you, go beyond that, and quickly too. Nice people need to be recognized and deserve appreciation. There is a need for more people like you in the world. You are awesome, and deserve to be happy.”

Day 20 – Create a Personal Manifesto
I created one a few years back, and it still rings true to me.

How was your week? Did you sign up for the challenge? Even if you haven’t joined the self-love challenge, what did you do this week to love yourself?

During the third week of this self-love challenge, I was tiling the balcony with my boyfriend. So, it means I didn’t get a chance to truly think of self-love during that time frame. But I have the feeling that it does qualify as such, given we are so happy now that it’s done and pretty! It’s a joy to sit and enjoy our morning latte out there while the cat gives us tiny heart attacks every time he goes too close to the ledge.

So this is week three. Nearly a month later, and backdated. I was a bit sad that I don’t own “Find Your Awesome” yet, maybe having it in my hands I would’ve followed-through more easily when Life happened.

Day 11 – Hold a burning ceremony
I needed to do this. Possibly only for the act itself of physically letting go of the piece of paper containing my list of things to let go. It felt good.

Day 12 – Doodle your loves
This particular task proved difficult for me, so I went with a photo collage of the things I love instead of doodling them.

Day 13 – Hug it out
Friends showed up with a lovely, late birthday gift, so they got hugged. Family, boyfriend and the cat get many hugs on a daily basis.

Day 14 – Make a list of people you are grateful for
A, I, and D, because they make office hours more fun.
The BF, because he can be the most amazing person to be around.
Family, because they care.
The cats, because they’re cuddly and give their love unconditionally.

Day 15 – Organize something (or Finding space)
I was re-organizing the balcony and making all kinds of space, too. First we needed to take everything inside, to clear the whole balcony. Then, I organized and threw out unused boxes and broken things that were simply filling space unnecessarily. Then I only put the needed stuff back in the two wood racks we have out there, after I stained them – they look brand new now and aren’t cluttered!

How was your week? Did you sign up for the challenge? How did it go? Even if you haven’t joined or haven’t finished the self-love challenge, what did you do this week to love yourself?

This was the second week following my friend j’s Find Your Awesome Self-Love Challenge.
Every evening I sat down and wrote a short summary of my day, which adds up to a short recap post at the end of each week. In case you missed it, here’s last week’s sum-up.

Day 6 – Make a Mandala

Day 7 – Call Bullshit on “Should”
I cleaned the apartment because it looks lovely shiny and outer order definitely contributes to inner peace for me. I cooked lunch and dinner, because I love cooking and it’s great to have home-cooked meals.
And also, I read instead of packing a bag of stuff to take over to my mom’s place, because I won’t get there before the weekend anyways!

Day 8 – Be Openly Magnificent
I’m working from home, being fearlessly and unabashedly myself. The cat loves it. I love it!

Day 9 – Fill the Spaces
I took this challenge literally when I was filling in the spaces I created in my mandala. Outside of that, it was a day in which I spoke my mind. My opinion was at the very least heard before going ignored.

Day 10 – Be Wildly Creative
Before even realizing it, I got wildly creative with my lunch. I paired leftover rice, with scrambled eggs made with leftover zucchini, mushrooms and spinach, topped with leftover Parmesan. Maybe an odd combo, but it was delicious – I should’ve taken a picture!

How was your week? Did you sign up for the challenge? Do you like it so far? Even if you haven’t joined the self-love challenge, what did you do this week to love yourself?

This was the first week following my friend j’s Find Your Awesome Self-Love Challenge. I talked about it before, so I won’t repeat myself.
Every evening I sat down and wrote a short summary of my day, which sums up to a short recap post at the end of each week.

Day 1 – Text Love
Texting love… was met with no reply. On the other hand, I did have a lovely Skype conversation with a friend, and a short FB conversation with another friend, which picked up my mood a bit. The love came back from the unexpected sources, and that was great!

Day 2 – Body Love
Loving my body was a bit of a challenge since my feet hurt after I’ve doubled up my Sunday athletic events. But, I am grateful for them for getting me through it, and will just give them some extra massages and let them rest before I go running again this weekend.

Day 3 – Make a Life List
I have written my Life List before, here’s the link if anyone’s interested in reading it :)
Today, I am finally taking my own advice from that blog post, and turning my year of photo challenges into an e-book – I sat down and created the document, and in it, Styles for my title, headers, and text. If I work on it little by little, it doesn’t have to be all done in one day.
That’s exactly what kept me away for the past, umm, five (?) years from that idea – the enormity of the project which I’ve made up all by myself when it really isn’t the case.

Day 4 – Put Yourself on a T-Shirt
For the past couple of years I’ve been giving a lot of my clothes to charity, so by now, I have three t-shirts with actual writing on them (one of which wasn’t planned, as I recently got it in the participation kit of a running event).
However, the text I would most love on a t-shirt and would sum me up perfectly, is this onebyMyth Understood. I’ve been wanting a womens dolman t-shirt like this for literally years, but its price+shipping put me off, and I’ve been too lazy to find the design and go get it printed on a t-shirt locally for a third of the price. Maybe next time I consider buying myself a present.

Day 5 – Be Outrageously Grateful
Beyond grateful for being able to travel to Bucharest for a short weekend trip, and for little traffic on the way and making it here safe!

How was your week? Did you sign up for the challenge? Do you like it so far? Even if you haven’t joined the self-love challenge, what did you do this week to love yourself?

Today I want to take a second to talk about a very cool, illustrated creative journal, FIND YOUR AWESOME, by my friend Judy Clement Wall.

It seems to me that everyone lately is only thinking about themselves, and it makes me sad.
I think when people are dealing with some things in their lives, they tend to forget that everyone else also has stuff to deal with – more or less difficult then they themselves are. This is where it’d be great to also focus on others, because it really doesn’t take much time or effort to be attentive, and if one can, why not make someone’s day better? Even by simply smiling at them, by saying hello and asking how they are, it’s already a step in the right direction.
We need to be better, to be humans and care. Thinking about others will always make you a better person.

That said, it also seems to me that among family and friends, many people rarely put themselves first, or do, or buy things for themselves.
Yes, doing things with others will help make them be/feel special in your life.
But on the other hand, I believe that we need to take care of ourselves in order to fully be able to be the better people I described above. For people to truly be able to love other people and be kind, it all starts with self-love.

This is the message my friend j transmits through her creative journal. Go read her blog post about it, and watch her very cool animated book trailer!

In her own words, she wrote and illustrated FIND YOUR AWESOME not to help people become someone new, but to help them uncover the imaginative, openhearted, amazing selves they already are. She truly believes that if one completes this book, committing oneself to just 30 days of self-discovery and celebration, it will change how they move in the world and infuse their life with love, fun, connection, and creativity.

I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the journal! I believe that it’ll be, like everything j creates, a beautiful piece of art as well as a very useful tool for people to well… find their awesome.

J also has a challenge in store for her readers and friends – 30 days of self-love! Here’s the excerpt from her website:

“On May 15th, I’ll be embarking on my own 30-day self-love challenge using FIND YOUR AWESOME, and I’d love for you to join me. There will be a Facebook group, short daily emails of encouragement, and more animated videos to inspire you. It’ll be free, fun, and good for your soul, plus if you sign up, you’ll be automatically entered to win a signed copy of FIND YOUR AWESOME. (Even if you’ve already purchased my book , sign up. These little journals make wonderful gifts.)I’ll be posting more about the book and the challenge over the next several weeks.”

Haven’t done a self-love challenge in a while, so I’ve already signed up, and I think I’ll post a little summary blog post every week on Fridays while the challenge lasts. They were fun to do during my year of following the 52/52 e-guide‘s assignments every week, so I’m looking forward to it!